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On our winter go to to Saint Lucia, John and I put aside a day to do the well-known Gros Piton hike, the preferred hike within the nation. For those who’ve ever seen images of Saint Lucia, you’ll immediately acknowledge the Gros Piton and close by Petit Piton, two of Saint Lucia’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site as properly.
For those who’re into climbing and also you’re visiting Saint Lucia, particularly between December and Could, the dry season, put aside half a day to do the Gros Piton hike. It’s not straightforward nevertheless it’s a really rewarding hike with distinctive panoramic views on the summit.
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Gros Piton hike abstract
Distance: 6.5 km or 4 miles return.
Elevation acquire: Roughly 21,914 ft or 553 m
Time wanted: 3 – 4 hours for the return hike.
Mountaineering hours: The path is open from 7 AM – 2 PM day-after-day. Go early for cooler temperatures.
Greatest time to do the hike: December to Could when its often sunnier and drier.
Stage of problem: Average to troublesome – relying on situations (more durable when the Gros Piton path is moist) and your health stage. The primary half is far simpler than the second half of the hike which I’d name troublesome.
Elevation of Gros Piton: 2,619 ft (798 metres) excessive.
Terrain: Steep path with a number of roots and rocks; typically massive steps (see images beneath)
What to tackle the hike: Sturdy climbing footwear however a full climbing boot shouldn’t be required, a number of water, light-weight, breathable clothes, raincoat, and a solar hat
- Petit Piton might be climbed too however it’s far steeper, tougher and harmful.
- Carry some money so you should purchase an ice cream from a neighborhood vendor on the finish of the Gros Piton hike.
- For those who sweat quite a bit, convey a bandana.
- The worth to hike in case you simply present up might be within the order of $US50 per individual. Plan to tip on the finish of the hike.
Why do the Gros Piton hike?
For those who’re like me, you don’t like sitting round on a vacation for very lengthy. I really like visiting seashores, however I get bored rapidly. The problem of doing the Gros Piton hike and getting some critical train is at all times interesting.
The Gros Piton hike is among the prime issues to do on St. Lucia, and for good purpose. Not solely are the summit views wonderful, however the hike up is fascinating too because it takes you thru tropical rainforest, crammed with big crops, lots of that are distinctive to the island.
Do you want a information to hike Gros Piton?
A information is obligatory on the Gros Piton hike. All guides are locals who’ve been skilled and authorized by the St. Lucia Nationwide Belief. Some guides are chattier than others. Don’t hesitate to choose their mind on a topic you have an interest in – whether or not or not it’s the historical past of the world, the native crops, geology, or the birds.
You may e-book the Gros Piton hike with Viator or Get Your Information (utilizing native guides) forward of time – and so they’ll do resort decide ups, present water and extra.
If you will get to the village of Fond Gens Libre by yourself, you could find guides ready on the base of the mountain – so even with out a reservation you should not have any bother, however you’ll have extra peace of thoughts with a reserving. Carry money (US {dollars} are most likely finest) to pay your native information.
Our information was the son of one of many senior guides – so he was very inexperienced. He was definitely educated in regards to the path and the historical past, however not very knowledgeable in regards to the birds. Nonetheless, we beloved him as he took us to a viewpoint on the summit solely a fraction of individuals see – and it was way more panoramic that the summit viewpoint.
On the finish of our hike, we had been pushed again by one of many spectacular feminine guides who has finished the Gros Piton hike greater than 3,000 occasions. I feel she holds the report.
Gros Piton hike description
On the required orientation session for the Gros Piton hike, we had been knowledgeable that the hike could be damaged down into 4 sections – and on the finish of every could be a superb resting spot. The primary quarter of the hike is the simplest and the final quarter probably the most troublesome because it’s on a rougher, very steep path. The path winds half approach across the mountain, climbing by means of dense forest with occasional views.
The hike up Gros Piton could also be exhausting aerobically nevertheless it’s simpler than the descent from the summit, particularly when it’s moist and muddy.
The hike begins off gently for the primary half hour or so. There’s a relaxation cease on the quarter approach level the place you may drink water and revel in a view. Keep watch over the vegetation as you hike. On the decrease ranges, you’ll see a number of lush tropical foliage. There are some dandy massive bushes across the three quarters mark – simply because the path steepens and deteriorates. Anticipate extra rocks and boulders the upper you go.
If you get to the fruit and chilly drinks vendor, you’re just some minutes away from the summit. Proceed climbing to achieve a wide-open space with breathtaking views.
When you attain the summit of Gros Piton you may take pleasure in a panorama that embody Soufriere, Vieux Fort and Saint Vincent, the island. The rainbow of colors that make up the rooftops of the native fishing village may also be seen together with the Maria Islands Nature Reserve.
The aspect journey to the lookout
Once we reached the chilly drinks vendor our information requested us if we’d prefer to hike to the lookout. We didn’t recognize what was in retailer for us.
The hike was on a path that doesn’t see a number of visitors. There’s not a lot elevation however you do have to maneuver vines, carry leaves, and shimmy throughout some rocks. On the finish of the roughly 15 minute hike, look out over Petit Piton and the Caribbean Sea. It’s one heck of a panorama.
The descent
Take your time on the descent off Gros Piton. The footing can get difficult at occasions, and this isn’t a path the place you wish to fall. There are quite a few handrails. Use them. Discover your personal tempo. Cease every now and then to hear and go searching.
Search for parrots
A fortunate few may see the endemic however uncommon Saint Lucia parrot. It’s principally inexperienced with a cobalt blue brow – and despite the fact that it’s massive, it may be troublesome to see within the dense foliage. After being threatened to the purpose of extinction, the hen was declared the island’s nationwide hen in 1979 and guarded. As we speak their numbers have risen to about 250 parrots.
Remaining ideas on the Gros Piton hike
For those who’re planning to go to St. Lucia and you like climbing, don’t miss the Gros Piton hike. It is going to be a difficult hike in case you’re not used to steep climbs, however the reward of reaching the summit and experiencing the pure magnificence and distinctive wildlife is greater than price it. John and I left on a excessive – feeling so good from the train – and the scrumptious ice cream we loved within the village on the finish of the hike.
The place to remain close to the Gros Piton hike
John and I spent 4 nights on the Fond Doux Eco Resort. It wasn’t on a seaside – moderately within the forest – and our room was very personal. We beloved our cabin, and the employees had been pretty. The meals was not more than okay.
If you would like a excessive finish resort try Sugar Seaside – A Viceroy Resort. It’s on one of many islands stunning white sand seashores – the place there may be good swimming and snorkeling.
Additional studying on issues to do within the Caribbean and Central America
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